Skincare is a process, and it’s a good idea to consider new procedures and products as your skin ages and changes. We always recommend discussing your skincare routine with a professional, like our team at Colorado Skin Care.
Kimberly Stone, MD, and the rest of our team understand the benefits and drawbacks of many different skincare options, as well as which would likely be best for your unique situation. If you’re considering a new procedure, though, why not think about intense pulsed light (IPL)?
IPL is a therapeutic skin procedure we perform in-office. As opposed to its potentially better-known counterpart, laser therapy, IPL uses a range of light wavelengths instead of just one. Where laser therapy is extremely focused, IPL is more versatile.
IPL was first used in the early 1990s for the treatment of spider veins. However, its safety and adaptability have made it a fantastic option to treat other skin problems on areas as sensitive as the face. Today, IPL treatments are extremely popular and offer a number of benefits our patients love.
IPL can treat a number of skin issues. These can include, but aren’t limited to, sun damage, rosacea, freckles, and uneven skin tones. But the procedure doesn’t just manage tonal concerns. It can also minimize fine lines and wrinkles, treat enlarged pores, and manage acne. It can even be used for unwanted hair removal.
Unlike many skincare procedures that can only manage one concern, IPL can treat several issues at the same time. Patients love this option because they can see noticeable differences in both their rosacea and brown spots, for example, after treatment.
This procedure doesn’t put much stress on the skin. It uses light wavelengths to promote collagen and elastin production, but it doesn’t require you to avoid your regular activities for long afterward. Many patients experience a bit of redness, but most are able to go back to their lives the same day — or the next day at the very latest.
The procedure itself usually takes somewhere between 15 and 40 minutes to complete. You’ll likely begin to see effects even after your first session, though these may take a few weeks to fully show themselves. And while we recommend patients seek out at least three, and as many as six, sessions spaced apart, you’ll experience lasting results after you’re through.
This procedure can easily become a part of your long-term skincare regimen. You won’t need to seek out the procedure very often, but as long as you make it a regular part of your routine, you’ll continue to see results. The procedure is also mild enough to be used in conjunction with many of our other services, making it a great way to ensure long-term skin health and vibrancy.
It’s always best to discuss any new dermatological treatment with a medical provider, but in most cases, IPL therapy is a mild offering that allows for big results with few-to-no side effects. As such, we love to recommend it to patients looking for a way to spruce up their skin and experience unprecedented results.
If you’re ready to discuss IPL therapy and what it can do for you, make an appointment today at our office in Englewood, Colorado. Call 303-740-4883, or book online. We look forward to being a part of your journey toward loving the skin you’re in!